With Rick Flag Sr. set to appear inPeacemakerseason 2 afterCreature Commandos, the actor himself gives his take on what a hypothetical showdown would look like between his antihero and John Cena’s in theDC Universe. Even before the newDC Universe’s Chapter 1: “Gods and Monsters"has kicked off, an upcoming character is already lined up for multiple appearances in James Gunn’s franchise. While Flag Sr. may be debuting through animation, the audience is now starting to get a better idea of what he may be like when he shifts over to live-action.
In an exclusive interview withScreen Rantto promote the upcomingCreature Commandospremiere in December,Frank Grillo was asked who he thinks would win in a showdown between Flag Sr. and John Cena’s Peacemaker. While calling it a close match, Grillo gave his take on the hypothetical battle between Flag Sr. and Peacemaker, by sharing the following:
Frank Grillo: It’s close, it’s close… but I think Flag is a little smarter. The smart guy wins the fight. As a fighter, I’m going to tell you, the smart guy wins. [Laughs]
What Frank Grillo’s Peacemaker Vs Rick Flag Sr Comments Mean
WithGrillo being the first DC Universe actor to jump between live-action and animation,DC Studios is obviously setting Flag Sr. up to be a crucial player in the upcoming continuity. The fact that Grillo already has three DC Studios projects that he appears in during 2025 - that ofCreature Commandos,Peacemakerseason 2, and theSupermanmovies - shows that he will be key to the franchise, whether this is by being a focal figure in all three releases, or just by helping tie the universe together with his consistent appearances.
On the fighting side of things, though Peacemaker has proven himself to be formidable, it wouldn’t come as a shock for Flag Sr. to be more level-headed than Cena’s character. This could easily be what determines how a fight would go down between them, especially asPeacemakerseason 1 saw its titular lead struggle in fights where he was taken by surprise. It’s also likely this theoretical battle could take place, as the fact that Peacemaker killed Rick Flag Jr. - a plot point that is carrying over fromthe DCEU movie timeline- could easily lead to conflict between the two.
Indeed, Grillo was asked in the sameCreature Commandosinterview if there is a chance that viewers will get to see the two Flag men’s dynamic explored in flashbacks, and if he would maybe get the chance to work with Joel Kinnaman. While joking that they were doing their own film,Grillo said he would love nothing more but to work with Kinnaman, sharing what would require for that type of story to be explored:
Frank Grillo: Joel and I are doing our own movie…no, I’m joking!I love Joel, we’re pals, and I think he’s a great actor, and it would be interesting to explore that. James has not mentioned any of that, but I would be down for it if people respond.It’s all about the audience; it’s all about you. It’s all about do you respond to the character in a way where you want to see more of them. That kind of dictates if the guy’s going to be around, at least in an important way. So it remains to be seen how people respond to him.
Our Take On Frank Grillo’s Peacemaker Vs Rick Flag Sr Comments
Without revealing too many specifics forthePeacemakerseason 2 story,Grillo is definitely teasing that there will be a lot to look forward to with Christopher Smith and Flag Sr.’s dynamic in 2025. Whether or notCreature Commandosor even Grillo’s appearance in Gunn’sSupermanmovie will set up his involvement inPeacemakerseason 2 remains to be seen. But before they can get to his role inPeacemakerseason 2, the DC Universe can catch Grillo’s DC Universe inCreature Commandoson Max next month.
Creature Commandosepisodes 1 and 2 premiere on Thursday, December 5, followed by weekly releases on Max.
Creature Commandos
Cast
Creature Commandos follows the exploits of a secret team of incarcerated monsters recruited for perilous missions unsuitable for humans. Released in December 2024, the film explores themes of redemption and collaboration as the monstrous squad is tasked with handling threats that present dire challenges beyond human capability.
